Quinceola Reid Attains Remarkable Feat As The First Black Female Drover With The Fort Worth Herd
Breaking Barriers in Cowtown’s Rich History
In a momentous achievement, Quinceola Reid, a TCU student and military veteran, has etched her name in the annals of Fort Worth’s storied legacy.
Reid has become the first Black female drover with the iconic Fort Worth Herd, breaking new ground in the city’s longstanding cowboy tradition.
“It feels really big,” Reid expressed, reflecting on the significance of her trailblazing role. “I didn’t know when I first got the job. I was just excited to be paid to ride horses versus paying an arm and a leg.”
Preserving a Defining Texan Experience
The Fort Worth Herd is an institution dedicated to preserving the rich history of the Chisholm Trail, a pivotal route for cattle drives in the 1800s.
As a drover, Reid joins the ranks of men and women on horseback, driving longhorn cattle through the historic Stockyards – a quintessential Texan experience.
“It was 2021 at the time, I guess I just never realized, and I was like okay, I guess that’s right and I’m just going to keep showing up as myself and do the things,” Reid recalled, upon learning of her groundbreaking achievement.
Reflecting Diversity in the Western Landscape
Reid’s appointment as the first Black female drover holds profound significance, reflecting a shift in the portrayal of Western culture. Kristin Jaworski, executive director of the Fort Worth Herd & Trail Boss, emphasized the importance of this diversity.
“Being a Black cowgirl was so important to this program,” Jaworski stated. “You know having that diversity and reflecting that it wasn’t like the movies that you would see right, and I think just changing that mindset is so important.”
A Rich Legacy of Inclusivity
While Reid’s achievement is groundbreaking, she acknowledges the deep-rooted history of cowboys of color in Texas. “There’s a rich history, especially in Fort Worth,” she explained. “If you’re just talking about Fort Worth, people of color were here doing the work and are part of the reason why this city is the thriving city that it is today.”
“If you just look at the history post-civil war, all the logic is there on why African Americans in general, the freedmen, had these skills, and they used those skills to then support their families on the trail,” Reid added, highlighting the integral role played by Black cowboys in shaping the region’s identity.
Blazing New Trails for Representation
As the Fort Worth Herd celebrates its 25th anniversary, Reid’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Her trailblazing feat not only honors the past but also paves the way for future generations of underrepresented communities to embrace their place in the Western tradition.
“I know that there’s a resurgence of, you know, African American or people of color being equestrians and horsemen,” Reid remarked. “We’ve still got plenty of trails to blaze.”
